Sergio and his team have made Cesar what it is today. Photo: Kazuri Photo.
I had heard a lot about Cesar’s Cafe in Flory. From its conception as a coffee van outside Flory IGA, it has now settled into its own cozy space in the building opposite.
Knowing that the owners (who are also brothers), Cesar and Sergio Orlas, are from Colombia, I wanted to put to good use my record of 1,930 days of Spanish on Duolingo.
Sergio said he came to Australia to take over the business from his brother Cesar, but spoke little English.
“I spent six months learning how to manage a business and being able to speak English as well as my customers.”
At the time, the cafe was transitioning into a permanent location, and the brothers took a very hands-on DIY approach to the large-scale project.
“We built it all together. This was a real estate office, so there was no plumbing. Of course, we hired a plumber and an electrician to get it certified, but other than that we did everything ourselves.”
By the time Cesar returned to Colombia, the cafe had officially started, and he knew he was leaving it in capable hands.
Sergio has been working in hospitality since he was eight years old. His mother, who ran a sole proprietorship selling Colombian-style fried empanadas, would wake up at 3:40 a.m. and go to bed at 11 p.m.
“She wasn’t getting enough sleep,” he recalls. “And I thought, ‘I’m going to help you.'” That’s how we learned. That’s how we came to understand business. ”
I’m obsessed with empanadas! Photo: Kazuri Photo
From the moment you walk into Cesar’s, it’s clear how much love exists between patrons and staff. Everyone calls each other by name and greets each other with lots of teasing and warmth. The bright sounds of Colombian music surround us and increase the light of the sun.
As I headed over to order coffee, a shelf of sweets was waiting for me. Colombian cheese bread is a bread filled with melted cheese that is naturally gluten-free. I can see Alfajores. A buttery shortbread biscuit filled with dulce de leche and wrapped in coconut. Years ago, a dear family member ate alfajores to our delight, so I have to get some alfajores too.
Browse our selection of empanadas with flavors like cheeseburger, spicy beef, spicy pork chorizo, and portobello chicken, as well as vegetarian options. Tempting you to order more than one.
Definitely the best empanada pastry I’ve tasted. Photo: Kazuri Photo.
The coffee here has good reviews online, so I’m definitely looking forward to trying it. Their house blend is a 50/50 blend of Colombian and Ethiopian coffees and is an everyday favorite. The other is 100% Colombian, which Sergio describes as smooth and rich. Both are specially roasted by our friends, making them completely unique to Cesar’s.
Start with the mocha. Beautifully creamy and no sugar needed thanks to gorgeous, deeply caffeinated Belgian chocolate. Rich, smooth and luxurious taste. Honestly, it was the best mocha I’ve had. I’ve never been a mocha girl, but I love this.
Colombian coffee is exactly as Sergio describes it. It’s not as powerful as you’d expect, but it’s incredibly smooth. The more I drink it, the more I love it. And when I came back later in the week for another coffee, I knew this was my new favorite coffee place.
A rich, smooth, luxurious mocha. Photo: Kazuri Photo.
I settle for two empanadas: chicken and jalapeño, and spinach and cheese. I really want to try the guava and cheese, but they sold out quickly so I haven’t tasted it yet.
The first thing to notice is the pastry. Definitely the best empanada pastry I’ve tasted. It’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, so it’s delicious to eat as is.
There is a lot of love between our customers and staff. Photo: Kazuri Photo.
Alphajor! Dulce de leche sandwiched between buttery shortbread biscuits and wrapped in coconut.
Cesar’s interior.
The treat cabinet awaits me.
My 100% Colombian blend.
My spinach and cheese empanadas have the perfect ratio, with just enough cheese to keep the spinach from becoming soggy and leaky. Delicious and melty!
The chicken and jalapenos are spiced. I was expecting to taste pickled jalapenos, but the fresh jalapenos bring an earthy heat to the flavorful beef. That’s wonderful. I love the spicy feel here! I love pastries. It’s perfect.
Cesar’s Cafe, you totally sold me on Colombian food and coffee. thank you!
Cesar’s Cafe is located at Unit 1/43 Kesteven St, Florey. Business hours are 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on weekdays, 6:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturdays, and 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Sundays. Follow Cesar facebook and Instagram.